Umbrella customization kit and methods fostering umbrella customization

ABSTRACT

A customization kit for a hand-held umbrella and methods fostering customization of such an umbrella are provided. In one disclosed embodiment, the method allows arranging in a baseline umbrella configuration one or more removable components for the umbrella. The removable component may be a component which is unblocked relative to a view of an external observer when the umbrella is in a closed condition. The method further allows configuring a customizing kit including an assortment of customizing components at least some of which are in a pre-finished condition, removing the removable component, and performing a customizing action in connection with the removable component resulting in a transformed umbrella look perceivable by the external observer when the umbrella is in the closed condition. In another embodiment, the customizing action may be accomplished with a replacement component manufactured by way of additive manufacturing.

This application claims benefit of the Mar. 26, 2013 filing date of U.S. provisional application 61/805,201 which is incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is generally related to umbrellas, and, more particularly, to a customization kit for a hand-held umbrella, and methods fostering customization of such an umbrella.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Known techniques for customizing umbrellas generally involve costly and/or burdensome procedures which result in substantially limited umbrella customization after purchase from an umbrella manufacturer. This precludes any practical consideration of after-market customization of umbrellas. Disclosed embodiments are believed to successfully address at least such needs.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Disclosed embodiments relate to a customization kit for a hand-held umbrella and methods fostering customization for such an umbrella. One disclosed method comprises arranging in a baseline umbrella configuration at least one removable component for the umbrella, where the removable component comprises a component which is unblocked relative to a view of an external observer when the umbrella is in a closed condition. The method further comprises configuring a customizing kit comprising an assortment of customizing components at least some of which are in a pre-finished condition. The removable component is removed from the umbrella, and a customizing action is performed in connection with the removable component by applying a desired ornamental pattern and/or color variation to at least one customizing component in the pre-finished condition resulting in a transformed umbrella look perceivable by the external observer when the umbrella is in the closed condition.

Another disclosed method comprises arranging in a baseline umbrella configuration at least one removable component for the umbrella, where the removable component comprises a component which is unblocked relative to a view of an external observer when the umbrella is in a closed condition. The removable component is removed, and a customizing action is performed in connection with the removable component. The customizing action comprises replacing a removed component with a replacement component manufactured by way of additive manufacturing.

A disclosed customizing kit comprises an assortment of at least one removable customizing component comprising a handle, a grip, a tie strap, a ferrule or a combination of two or more of such customizing components, where the customizing kit comprises at least one customizing component in a pre-finished condition adapted to receive a desired ornamental pattern and/or color variation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is explained in the following description in view of the drawings that show:

FIG. 1 is a flow chart of one non-limiting embodiment of a method embodying aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart of another non-limiting embodiment of a method embodying further aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic of one non-limiting embodiment of a hand-held umbrella that may benefit from aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic of one non-limiting embodiment of an umbrella customization kit embodying aspects of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present inventor has innovatively recognized certain limitations in connection with known techniques for attempting umbrella customizing. For example, umbrella components, such as handles, ferrules and tie straps typically utilize permanent attachments, e.g., a metal stake, permanent glue, sewing stitches to affix the tie strap to the canopy, etc. Attempted removal of a component attached with these conventional attachments is time consuming, may require special tools and a certain amount of skill, and often can lead to physical damage of the umbrella. In the example case of imprints, such as logos, that may be applied onto a canopy of the umbrella, the present inventor has recognized that such imprints may only be fully viewable by an external observer when the umbrella is an open condition. However, this can substantially limit the value of any such imprints for branding and/or for ornamental aspects, since umbrellas may be in an open condition only for a very limited portion, such as approximately <1% of their lifetime.

Moreover, in known customization attempts that may have involved removable components, it is believed such components are typically provided in a finished condition and/or have been limited to traditional manufacturing technologies not necessarily conducive to achieving individual and separate customization. These types of limitations have essentially precluded any practical consideration of systematic after-market customization of umbrellas. For example, there is no viable justification for mass-marketing of customization kits unless one or more umbrella components can be easily adapted for a desired customization; or, alternatively or in combination, replacement umbrella components can be manufactured using nascent manufacturing technologies effective to individually and separately achieving a uniquely personalized customization, which, in accordance with aspects of the present invention, could practically transform the aesthetic appearance of the umbrella, and could further include structural and/or functionality customization for the umbrella.

At least in view of such recognition, the present inventor proposes a clever methodology that substantially increases the amount of umbrella variety and customization available to consumers, thereby synergistically increasing the perceived economic value throughout a distribution chain, such as the chain of businesses or intermediaries through which an umbrella passes (by way of distribution, sales, etc.) until it reaches the end consumer. Without limitation, a distribution chain can include wholesalers, retailers, distributors, e-commerce enterprises, etc. Additionally, this innovative paradigm fosters an environment where generic third party developers (not necessarily presently involved in the umbrella business) may enter into this market for customizing umbrella components.

In the following detailed description, various specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of such embodiments. However, those skilled in the art will understand that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without these specific details, that the present invention is not limited to the depicted embodiments, and that the present invention may be practiced in a variety of alternative embodiments. In other instances, methods, procedures, and components, which would be well-understood by one skilled in the art have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessary and burdensome explanation.

Furthermore, various operations may be described as multiple discrete steps performed in a manner that is helpful for understanding embodiments of the present invention. However, the order of description should not be construed as to imply that these operations need be performed in the order they are presented, nor that they are even order dependent unless otherwise so described. Moreover, repeated usage of the phrase “in one embodiment” does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although it may. Lastly, the terms “comprising”, “including”, “having”, and the like, as used in the present application, are intended to be synonymous unless otherwise indicated.

FIG. 1 is a flow chart of one non-limiting embodiment of a method fostering customization of a hand-held umbrella in a distribution chain as may include a source (e.g., umbrella manufacturer), at least one intermediary (e.g., distributor, wholesaler, retailer, etc.) and an end user. Subsequent to a start step 10, step 11 allows arranging in a baseline umbrella configuration at least one removable component for the umbrella. Non-limiting examples may be a handle, a grip, a tie strap, a ferrule or any combination of such components. In one non-limiting embodiment, the removable umbrella component may be a component which is practically unblocked relative to a view of an external observer when the umbrella is in a closed condition. Step 12 allows configuring a customizing kit comprising an assortment of customizing components, at least some of which are in a pre-finished condition, e.g., blank or unpainted components, etc. Step 14 allows removing the removable component. Step 16 allows performing a customizing action in connection with the removable component, such as may involve applying a desired ornamental pattern and/or color variation to at least one customizing component in the pre-finished condition, and resulting in a transformed umbrella look (e.g., customized aesthetic appearance) perceivable by the external observer when the umbrella is in the closed condition.

As illustrated in step 18, in one non-limiting embodiment, the customizing action may involve applying visual indicia to at least one customizing component in the pre-finished condition. Non-limiting examples of visual indicia may be a logo, embroidery, a label, etc. It will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that there are practically unlimited expressions of realizable visual indicia that can be applied to the removable components. For example, practically any conceivable pattern of shapes and colors can be designed and applied to the handle, grip, ferrule or tie strap through a number of means, including water transfer (hydrographic) printing, direct-to-substrate printing, screen printing, decal transfer, etc. Bezold effect patterns (discovered by Wilhelm Von Bezold (1837, 1907) in the context of rugs) may be implemented to alter color perception by the proximity of different colors interspersed in a design. For example, one can dramatically change the appearance of a design by changing just one color in a pattern. Laser engraving or marking can also be used to realize desired designs onto plastic, metal and wood components. As illustrated in step 20, in another non-limiting embodiment, the customizing action may comprise performing a desired customized design on at least one customizing component in the pre-finished condition. The customized design may comprise a desired ornamental, structural and/or functional design, such as a replacement handle with an integral light emitting diode (LED), or a replacement ferrule with an anti-slip structure at its tip, etc. It is additionally contemplated that additive manufacturing technology (also referred in the art as 3D-printing) can be employed to fabricate customized replacement handles, grips, tie straps, and/or ferrules in any desired material (e.g., plastic, metal, exotic materials, etc.).

The desired ornamental, structural and/or functional design may be performed by way of an additive manufacturing process. Ornamental aspects may be performed by various processes, such as may involve marking, printing and/or engraving. Non-limiting examples may be water transfer printing, water transfer decals, which may be applied via a manual wrapping and smoothing process and which can accomplish a similar result to the dipping process used for water transfer printing. And with the advent of 3D printers (which can use any suitable material to build a physical part through a layering process), it is contemplated that by way of this technology for manufacturing physical and decorative umbrella components—practically just limited by the imagination of the designer—one can realize virtually any desired individualized customization.

In certain situations, as illustrated in step 22, one or more customizing components may be salvaged from an impaired umbrella. For example, the customizing component could be salvaged from an umbrella having a ripped canopy or a broken rib, as could occur during manufacturing, which may then be used to customize another umbrella.

In one non-limiting embodiment, as illustrated in step 24, the configuring of the customizing kit may be based on anticipation of or for promoting an occurrence of an umbrella customization trend. As illustrated in step 26, prior to stop step 28, the customizing action may be performed at any point within the distribution chain of the umbrella.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart of another non-limiting embodiment of a method fostering customization of a hand-held umbrella in a distribution chain. Subsequent to a start step 60, step 62 allows arranging in a baseline umbrella configuration at least one removable component for the umbrella. Non-limiting examples may be a handle, a grip, a tie strap, a ferrule or any combination of such components. In one non-limiting embodiment, the removable umbrella component may be a component which is practically unblocked relative to a view of an external observer when the umbrella is in a closed condition. Step 64 allows removing the removable component. Step 66 allows performing a customizing action in connection with the removable component. In this embodiment, the customizing action comprises replacing a removed component with a replacement component manufactured by way of additive manufacturing, which may be conducive to individually and separately realize a superior level of personal customization, not feasible with traditional manufacturing technologies.

In one non-limiting embodiment, as indicated in block 68, the replacement component includes a customized design that may comprise a desired ornamental, structural and/or functional design, such as a replacement handle with an integral light emitting diode (LED), or a replacement ferrule with an anti-slip structure at its tip, etc. The desired ornamental, structural and/or functional design may be performed by way of an additive manufacturing process. Ornamental aspects may be performed by various processes, such as may involve marking, printing and/or engraving. Non-limiting examples may be water transfer printing, water transfer decals, which may be applied via a manual wrapping and smoothing process and which can accomplish a similar result to the dipping process used for water transfer printing.

Step 70 allows applying visual indicia to the replacement component. Non-limiting examples of visual indicia may be a logo, embroidery, a label, etc. As previously noted, there are practically unlimited expressions of realizable visual indicia that can be applied to the removable components. For example, practically any conceivable pattern of shapes and colors can be designed and applied to the handle, grip, ferrule or tie strap through a number of means, including water transfer (hydrographic) printing, direct-to-substrate printing, screen printing, decal transfer, etc. Prior to stop step 74, step 72 may optionally allow configuring a customizing kit including an assortment of customizing components at least some of which are in a pre-finished condition, e.g., blank or unpainted components, etc.

It will be appreciated that a stocked number of customizing components, such as may be provided through customizing kits, may be dynamically adjusted according to the specific circumstances of a given application. For example, the number of stocked customizing components can be adjusted based on the expectation of sales volume, independently from the inventory of umbrellas. For example, the number of customizing components can be equal to, less than (e.g., for a given market one of every two buyers may want to customize the stock umbrella), or greater than (e.g., for another market an average buyer may want to purchase one umbrella and two customized component kits) the number of umbrellas in stock. This may be effective to provide significant flexibility in offering decorative options to better meet the market demand for umbrellas in inventory. The customized components—which may be perceived to have a high value and which may therefore offer relatively high margins to the seller—can be used as incentives to accelerate sell through of umbrella inventory without having to discount the umbrella price (e.g., buy one umbrella and get one customized component kit for free). This could lead to increased margins for the seller during market conditions that otherwise could result in low-margins.

It is additionally contemplated that—as advanced materials migrate into the manufacturing realm of hand-held umbrellas, (e.g., use of graphene in the fiberglass material for the frame of the umbrella)—hand-held umbrellas have the potential of becoming nearly indestructible and have a relatively long life compared to hand-held umbrellas using more traditional materials. Accordingly, it is envisioned that aspects of the present invention could enable recurring sales to the end user of such long-life umbrellas which may not otherwise be possible. For example, aspects of the present invention could allow the end user of such long-life umbrellas to redecorate such umbrellas with replacement components and thus keeping them fashionable notwithstanding the age of the umbrella.

Example advantages that may result from a method embodying aspects of the present invention may include versatility in offering a substantial variety of umbrella products at reduced inventory cost. For example, one may stock various colors and/or patterns of replaceable components that can be installed on a baseline umbrella configuration. For example, an umbrella of a given color (e.g., a black umbrella) can take on many different looks by installing one of many decorative component designs at a retail location point of sale. Additionally, the replacement component may be customized to aesthetically harmonize with accessories that may have been added to the umbrella.

Aspects of the present invention may provide an ability to optimize inventory by decorating unfinished components on demand. Another example advantage may be increased flexibility for point of sale customization and/or increasing sales of promotional products, such as could be implemented by traditional retailers (e.g., brick and mortar retailers), E-commerce retailers, or mobile retailers. Yet another example advantage may be reducing risk of scrap from umbrella customization. This is opposite to known techniques, where, for example, issues that can arise during logo printing on a canopy can result in the entire umbrella being scrapped or sold as irregular at a significantly discounted price. Still further advantages that may result from a method embodying aspects of the invention may be reduced risk of costly stale inventory due to out of style components, logo overruns and increased flexibility in connection with licensed products. For example, umbrellas without a trademarked logo (but including an appropriate color scheme) can be sold to vendors with appropriate license agreements for sale of trademarked logo items (e.g., NCAA, MLB, NFL, NBA). For example, such vendors can customize the umbrellas via logo labels attached to handles and printing/embroidery on a tie strap at reduced financial investment and risk than traditional canopy logo umbrellas.

FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of one non-limiting embodiment of a customizable hand-held umbrella 30 comprising at least one removable component arranged in a base configuration for the umbrella. Non-limiting examples of removable components may be a handle 32, a grip 34, a tie strap 36, a ferrule 38 or any combination thereof. In one non-limiting embodiment, the removable component comprises a component which is unblocked relative to a view of an external observer when the umbrella is in a closed condition. Removable components such as the handle, grip or ferrule may comprise a threaded-connection or a snap-on connection with respect to a frame of the umbrella. Removable components such as a tie strap may include a hook and loop fastener, such as Velcro fasteners, or male-female snap pairs. It will be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are not limited to any particular umbrella design. For example, the umbrella shown in FIG. 3 is an illustration of an umbrella including a handle 32 (e.g., mounted at the end of the shaft) and a repositionable grip 34 mounted on the shaft of the umbrella. For readers desirous of further background information in connection with such umbrella design reference is made to U.S. Pat. No. 7,726,326. It will be readily appreciated that aspects of the present invention are not limited to any particular design since practically any umbrella design can readily benefit from aspects of the present invention. Accordingly, the umbrella design illustrated in FIG. 3 should be construed in an example sense and not in a limiting sense.

FIG. 4 is a schematic of a non-limiting embodiment of an umbrella customization kit 40 embodying aspects of the present invention. The kit may comprise an assortment of removable components, where at least one customizing component is in a pre-finished condition, such as may be adapted to receive a desired ornamental pattern and/or color variation. Non-limiting examples of customizing components may be handles 42, 44 or grips 46, 48, which upon processing from the pre-finished condition to a finished condition, may have different physical shapes, colors, materials, and/or visual indicia, tie straps 50, 52, which upon processing from the pre-finished condition to a finished condition, may have different colors, materials and/or visual indicia, ferrules 54, 56 which, which upon processing from the pre-finished condition to the finished condition may have different structure, colors, and/or materials. It will be appreciated that the assortment illustrated in FIG. 4 should be construed in an example sense and not in a limiting sense. It will be appreciated that the specific make-up of the assortment can be readily selected based on any desired customization preference. These removable components, when installed on a given umbrella, may be of a type which is unblocked relative to a view of an external observer when the umbrella is in a closed condition.

It will be appreciated that in operation aspects of the present invention allow customization of replacement components at any point within the distribution & sales chains, as well as by the consumer. The ease of customization and range of available types of customization is effective to foster an environment wherein customization becomes popular. Certain non-limiting examples are illustrated below:

-   -   Original equipment manufacturer does customization for         business-to-business (B2B) organizations (e.g., distributors,         retailers) and then business-to-consumer (B2C) organizations         offer customized umbrellas to customers; original equipment         manufacturer (OEM) may offer customized umbrellas; may offer a         variety of customized components; and/or may offer blank or         pre-finished components that can be subsequently customized     -   Distributors customize the umbrellas prior to sale and/or stock         customized components and/or blank or pre-finished components         that can be subsequently customized     -   Retailers customize the umbrellas prior to sale and/or stock         customized components and/or stock blank or unfinished         components that can be subsequently customized     -   3^(rd) party manufacturers develop, manufacture and sell         customized components     -   Consumers customize the umbrella after purchase         -   Using 3^(rd) party decorators         -   By purchasing customized components from 3^(rd) party             retailers to replace the stock parts

It will be further appreciated that the customized components can add considerable perceived value to the umbrella well beyond the cost to procure and install these components. This fact helps create an economic environment that will enable the formation of an aftermarket umbrella customized components business, conducive to increase the perceived value of what has become a ubiquitous and convenient article (yet often neglected in connection with aesthetic aspects). It is envisioned that aspects of the present invention will transform umbrellas from being solely perceived as a utilitarian article to a new paradigm, where an umbrella may be additionally perceived by consumers as a fanciful article capable of harmoniously conveying even the most cutting-edge aesthetic desires of any given individual.

While various embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described herein, it will be apparent that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. Numerous variations, changes and substitutions may be made without departing from the invention herein. Accordingly, it is intended that the invention be limited only by the spirit and scope of the appended claims. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method fostering customization of a hand-held umbrella in a distribution chain, the method comprising: arranging in a baseline umbrella configuration at least one removable component for the umbrella, wherein said at least one removable component comprises a component which is unblocked relative to a view of an external observer when the umbrella is in a closed condition; configuring a customizing kit comprising an assortment of customizing components at least some of which are in a pre-finished condition; removing said at least one removable component from the umbrella; and performing a customizing action in connection with said at least one removable component by applying a desired ornamental pattern and/or color variation to at least one customizing component in the pre-finished condition resulting in a transformed umbrella look perceivable by the external observer when the umbrella is in the closed condition.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein customizing components in the pre-finished condition comprise a handle, a grip, a tie strap, a ferrule, or a combination of at least two of said customizing components.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the customizing action comprises applying visual indicia to at least one customizing component in the pre-finished condition.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the customizing action comprises performing a desired customized design on at least one customizing component in the pre-finished condition, the customized design comprising an ornamental design, a structural design, a functional design or a combination of two or more said designs, wherein the desired ornamental, structural and/or functional design is performed by way of a process selected from the group consisting of an additive manufacturing process, a printing process, a laser engraving or marking process and a combination of said processes.
 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising physically forming at least one customizing component by way of additive manufacturing.
 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising salvaging at least one customizing component from an impaired umbrella.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the distribution chain comprises a source, at least one intermediary and an end user, and wherein the customizing action is performed at any point within the distribution chain.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the configuring of the customizing kit is based on anticipation of or for promoting an occurrence of an umbrella customization trend.
 9. A method fostering customization of a hand-held umbrella in a distribution chain, the method comprising: arranging in a baseline umbrella configuration at least one removable component for the umbrella, wherein said at least one removable component comprises a component which is unblocked relative to a view of an external observer when the umbrella is in a closed condition; removing said at least one removable component; and performing a customizing action in connection with said at least one removable component, wherein the customizing action comprises replacing a removed component with a replacement component manufactured by way of additive manufacturing.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the replacement component comprises a handle, a grip, a ferrule, a tie strap or a combination of at least two of said removable components.
 11. The method of claim 9, wherein the replacement component comprises a desired customized design comprising an ornamental design, a structural design, a functional design or a combination of two or more said designs, wherein the desired ornamental, structural and/or functional design is performed by way of a process selected from the group consisting of an additive manufacturing process, a printing process, laser engraving or marking process and a combination of said processes.
 12. The method of claim 9, further comprising applying visual indicia to the replacement component.
 13. The method of claim 9, further comprising configuring a customizing kit comprising an assortment of customizing components at least some of which are in a pre-finished condition, wherein the customizing action further comprises applying a desired ornamental pattern and/or color variation to at least one customizing component in the pre-finished condition, and replacing a removed component with a customized component with the applied ornamental pattern and/or color variation.
 14. A customizing kit for a customizable hand-held umbrella, the kit comprising an assortment of at least one removable customizing component comprising a handle, a grip, a tie strap, a ferrule or a combination of two or more of said customizing components, wherein the customizing kit comprises at least one customizing component in a pre-finished condition adapted to receive a desired ornamental pattern and/or color variation.
 15. The customizing kit of claim 14, wherein at least one customizing component is adapted to receive visual indicia.
 16. The customizing kit of claim 14, wherein at least one customizing component is physically formed by way of additive manufacturing.
 17. The customizing kit of claim 14, wherein at least one customizing component in the pre-finished condition is adapted to receive a desired customized design comprising an ornamental design, a structural design, a functional design or a combination of two or more of said designs.
 18. The customizing kit of claim 14, wherein at least one customizing component is salvaged from an impaired umbrella.
 19. The customizing kit of claim 14, wherein the customizing kit is purveyed at any point within a distribution chain for the umbrella, wherein the distribution chain comprises a source, at least one intermediary and an end user.
 20. The customizing kit of claim 14, wherein the customizing kit is purveyed on anticipation of or for promoting an occurrence of an umbrella customization trend. 